The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1887-05-07
Correspondence baltimore County Union.
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.
A Baltimore County Lady at the Capital
Something About the Grant
Relics, &c., &c.
WAsHrNeroS. D. c.. Nav Sd. 1887

WASHINGTON, d. c., May Sd, 1887.
Editors Union We left Baldwin Station, M.
CIR. R., on the 26th of April, to attend the Mary
land State Temperance Alliance Convention, which
met in Oratoria Hall, Baltimore, on that day. We
were very much pleased with all we heard in the
great cause of temperance, and resolved in future
to battle for the right against the wrong and dare
to stand MP for God and home and native land
against ali opposition, come from what source it
might. When we heard the thrilling speeches
against intemperance it made ones heart glad that
we had enlisted in the noble cause.
On Yesterday we visited the National Museum
of this city purposely to see the Grant relics which
were not unpacked when we were here last. They
have five cases arranged and some of the relics are
vet unpacked. Among the numerous articles Of
value we noticed gold-headed canes, vases, epau-
lettes, guns swords, and gold cigar case, presen
ted by the King of Siam. Several swords of elab-
crate workmanship attracted our attention, one of
which was presented to Gen. Grant by citizens Of
Joe Davies county, Illinois-pommel of gold, grip
and guard plate ornamented with tortoise shell,
and inscribed the "Hero of the Mississippi;" scab
bard of gold, engraved with names and dates Of
the battles of the Mexican war in which the Gen.
eral was engaged; also battles of the late war
Another was presented by his friends through the
Metropolitan fair in aid of the u S. Sanitary Com
mission, N. Y.-pommel of gilded silver, inlaid
with rubies, diamonds and sapphires. Among the
gold headed canes one said to have been Lafay
cites and presented by ladies of Baltimore We do
not remember the presentation but as tits engraved
on the head presume it was so. handsome side
board of bronze and onyx, presented by citizens Of
Pueblo, Mexico, attracted our attention. 1t was
elaborate enough to adorn palace instead of the
residence of President of this Republic. In one
case was gold invitation card for Grant, family
and suite to a grand bal masque, held in San
Francisco, Sept. 25th, 1879. 1t had been enclosed
in silver envelope on which the directions were
engraved. Also ivory handle silver trowel used
by Gen. Grant in laying orner-stone of American
Museum of Natural History, New York, June a,
1874. fac simile of the table in gold on which
Gen. Lee signed the article of capitulation when
he surrendered. Also medals, gold boxes, &C.,
presented to Gen. Grant whilst travelling over
Europe containing the keys of the freedom of the
city. One gold medal, presented by Congress of
U. S. to Gen. Grant, cost 1896. 1t would make
my communication too lengthy to enumerate the
various articles The collection is valued at $780,
900, although Vanderbilts claim was only $780,
OO0 The articles turned over to the United States
by Mrs. Grant was agreed upon to satisfy that
claim.
1t is very warm in this city. We notice a
marked difference in the foliage of the trees in the
various parks. There must be at least two weeks
difference in the budding of the trees, blooming OF
flowers, &C. INcoG.